About

In life, your experiences help shape who you are and create character.  Whether good or bad, they are filters through which you see and perceive the world.  Funny how some people go against situations or lessons learned and some go with it.  I was once told that perception is 99% reality.  That statement is open to interpretation but knowing this, one can crease and crack reality.  Who doesn't like a good underdog story?  With a certain amount of mental fortitude, one can control their own destiny like many have shown.  The following is a story that must be told to help inspire, grow and share experiences to vicariously live and learn through.  

Some are things I lived through and others are things I almost didn’t live through.  Some are dreams I have had and some are nightmares I wish I didn’t have.  Some are stories I’ve heard and some are stories I have embellished to make the uninteresting more interesting and to find the humor in life.  When and if this dream comes true, it will be a testament that "what transforms thoughts into concrete achievements is one’s determination, perseverance and patience."

This is dedicated to Certo, Russ, Justin, Hemsley, Brian and Tyler who were all close friends of mine; they tragically lost their lives…  Not just acquaintances but for long periods of time people I considered good friends (the list gets longer as journey started in 2007 to complete this project goes on).  Two were stripped of the control of destiny and three willingly gave destiny away.  They inspire because the one life we get needs to be appreciated since it can be taken or given away very quickly.  Being a pallbearer in a funeral and carrying your friends casket will change you.  With all of the turmoil, sickness, cruelty and disease in the world, the loss of one life can seem meaningless.  But it's not.  

There are a variety of different quotes throughout the book sharing famous wisdom from music, Stoicism, Eastern/Western Philosophy. This is a reminder to follow your dreams and be grateful for the opportunity we have before it is too late.  

This is a peek into both sociology and anthropology of Punk culture since they are broad disciplines.  Anthropology is rooted in the characteristics, environment and culture of humans and their ancestors, Sociology is more focused on topics like social change and the social consequences of human behavior.  This book/series has some of both.  

Its NOT the age old argument of “I know what’s punk more than the rest of you”.  Which in itself is the least punk argument ever.  Its so easy to be cynical.  

Please take into consideration that the journey to tell this story started when I wrote a script for a movie.  A script is much easier than a full book and a great outline and starting point for a book.  But completing a movie is the proverbial Mt. Everest of journeys.  Two trips to one of the most famous independent film festivals,  Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah were very educational, and productive providing proof of concept.  Lots of positive feedback and a few opportunities have opened over the years of this journey but ultimately its money and lots of it for it to actually be worthwhile.  

When I started, camera phones were barely a thing and Blockbuster Video existed.  “Online streaming platform” wasn't invented and now that it has been around for a while there is lots of content to consume and there is a glimmer of hope that what you are about to experience could one day be on one.  To get this in a “Movie Theaters” felt like Mt Everest but now feels like going to Space.

I want to point out that my intention was to let the actors selected for these unique characters in the movie rely heavily on a type of acting called "method acting" where they could fully transform and become the “Punk” characters, grow their own dialogue and make fluid interpretations of the subjects.  They could then be one with the characters and, based on the storyline, create dialogue according to what feels right to them.  The story is not about how complex the linguistics can be, or how many times they can say dude, bro or cuss in one paragraph, but the overall storyline of the journey.     

I have transformed it into a special type of book.  This started off as a semi-graphic novel but then part of the goal was to create a new category called Extreme E-Reader. This category would incorporate images, video, music, games and challenges.  

If your on a long plane ride you might be able to knock out half of this book.  If you are enmeshed in the hustle and bustle of life its designed so one can easily digest a chapter a day and create a ever so needed short break from reality and a positive routine to get in the habit of expanding your mind and taking time for yourself.  

The essence...  The energy...  It might just evaporate...  But the memory we can encapsulate...

Gutter Punks is a coming-of-age action adventure about a couple of friends that take a hitch hiking road trip.
They follow a path to find their soul and sell it at the same time.
The goal of financial independence means self-inflicted Punk Rock homeless lifestyle called Gutter Punk.
Not wanting to live the norm selling out to corporate America in the rat race of everlasting debit they find Board Sports and Music as a way of life.
Skateboarding, Snowboarding, big air, big surf and fun ensue in their journey.
Part of the proceeds of book are donated to a local Skateboard/Bike Park that the author Max Moon helped build as the president of Lincoln Skate and Bike Association.